2 Conn. Officers Released from Hospital After Deadly Shootout During Chase
What to Know
- A Hartford police officer and a Rocky Hill police officer who were wounded during a pursuit and exchange of gunfire Friday night were released from the hospital Saturday, while the suspect died at the scene.
- The incident began when Hartford officers investigating suspected illegal activity tried to detain a man who allegedly struggled with officers, got into a vehicle and fled, leading police on a chase into Newington.
- After the suspect stopped and exited the vehicle near the Rocky Hill town line, an exchange of gunfire erupted, leaving both officers injured and the suspect dead; police recovered a firearm and the state Office of Inspector General is investigating.
Rocky Hill Officer Jon Escobar also was injured, according to a Fund The First fundraiser started to benefit his recovery.
"I was devastated to learn about last night's officer-involved shooting following a vehicle pursuit that originated in Hartford," Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said in a statement released Saturday. "During the incident, an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in injuries to a Hartford police officer and a Rocky Hill police officer, and the death of the suspect at the scene."
"A Hartford native, member of Academy Class 22-1, and member of our Street Crimes Unit, Officer Diaz represents what it means to wear the Hartford police uniform — courage, commitment and an unwavering dedication to our city," the Hartford police Facebook post said.
"Officer Diaz and his fellow Street Crimes officers have worked tirelessly to remove numerous illegal firearms from our city streets, making Hartford safer for the residents they serve," the post said. "That commitment to protecting this community is at the core of who Alex is as a police officer."
The post noted Diaz "put himself in harm's way while serving this community. Today, we are grateful to see him heading home.
"We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Rocky Hill Police Department, whose officer was also struck by gunfire, as well as the surrounding police departments and law enforcement agencies who responded and stood beside us during an incredibly difficult night," Hartford police added in the post.
According to the fundraiser for Escobar, he will need future surgeries and is about to become a father for the first time.
Officers were investigating suspected illegal activity on Fales Street in Hartford at about 11 p.m. Friday when a male suspect ran away, Boisvert said in a news release Saturday morning.
An officer pursued the suspect and tried to take him into custody. During the struggle, the officer felt what he believed was a firearm in the suspect's waistband, Boisvert said.
The suspect was able to get into a vehicle and flee, prompting officers to pursue it as it traveled through Hartford and headed south, Boisvert said. The vehicle eventually stopped at Webster Court in Newington, near the Rocky Hill town line.
The suspect exited the vehicle and an exchange of gunfire occurred, police said. A Hartford officer and a Rocky Hill officer were struck by gunfire, police said, while the suspect also was shot and pronounced dead at the scene.
A firearm was found at the scene, police said.
The state Office of Inspector General arrived and took over the investigation.
____________
© 2026 The Advocate (Stamford, Conn.).
Visit www.stamfordadvocate.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.